The incredible journey of singer-songwriter MARO is nothing short of amazing: from her humble roots in Lisboa to living in LA and being praised by Billie Eilish, collaborating with Eric Clapton or being on tour with Jacob Collier and Shawn Mendes. There’s nothing MARO can’t do, and, as she confides to Tony Gonçalves on this podcast, she will continue to do it until it makes sense.

MARO also shares her creative process and how she got into the prestigious Berklee School of Music.

Her Portuguese roots shine in every sentence, as she shares her favourite Portuguese dishes and talk us through the musical influences she inherited from her parents.

The incredible journey of singer-songwriter MARO is nothing short of amazing: from her humble roots in Lisboa to living in LA and being praised by Billie Eilish, collaborating with Eric Clapton or being on tour with Jacob Collier and Shawn Mendes. There&rsquo;s nothing MARO can&rsquo;t do, and, as she confides to Tony Gon&ccedil;alves on this podcast, she will continue to do it until it makes sense.
MARO also shares her creative process and how she got into the prestigious Berklee School of Music.
Her Portuguese roots shine in every sentence, as she shares her favourite Portuguese dishes and talk us through the musical influences she inherited from her parents.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive— explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage

The Heart & Hustle of Portugal

The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

Singer-songwriter MARO opens up Season 3 of The Heart and Hustle of Portugal.

The feeling comes first: How MARO found her sound

Tim, a founding voice of Xutos & Pontapés, revisits the origins of a band that helped shape modern Portuguese music. In a conversation marked by humour and candour, he recalls the restless energy of post‑revolution Portugal, when two chords, a rehearsal room and an attitude were enough to start a movement. What began as teenage instinct quickly became cultural legacy.

This episode starts with the unlikely rise of Xutos, born from punk chaos, friendship, borrowed instruments and a shared will to create something of their own. Tim retraces the early days of borrowed studios and the accidental creation of “A Minha Casinha”, a cover born from a joke that became an anthem for generations. Along the way, he reflects on family, the band’s evolution, and the enduring emotional presence of Zé Pedro, the rhythm guitarist that passed away in 2017.

More than a music story, this conversation is about identity, resilience and the spirit of a country reinventing itself. Tim speaks of freedom, community and the quiet discipline behind decades of songwriting. From packed clubs to multigenerational crowds, the episode captures how Xutos & Pontapés became more than a band: they became a piece of Portugal’s collective memory.

Tim, a founding voice of Xutos &amp; Pontap&eacute;s, revisits the origins of a band that helped shape modern Portuguese music. In a conversation marked by humour and candour, he recalls the restless energy of post‑revolution Portugal, when two chords, a rehearsal room and an attitude were enough to start a movement. What began as teenage instinct quickly became cultural legacy.
This episode starts with the unlikely rise of Xutos, born from punk chaos, friendship, borrowed instruments and a shared will to create something of their own. Tim retraces the early days of borrowed studios and the accidental creation of &ldquo;A Minha Casinha&rdquo;, a cover born from a joke that became an anthem for generations. Along the way, he reflects on family, the band&rsquo;s evolution, and the enduring emotional presence of Z&eacute; Pedro, the rhythm guitarist that passed away in 2017.
More than a music story, this conversation is about identity, resilience and the spirit of a country reinventing itself. Tim speaks of freedom, community and the quiet discipline behind decades of songwriting. From packed clubs to multigenerational crowds, the episode captures how Xutos &amp; Pontap&eacute;s became more than a band: they became a piece of Portugal&rsquo;s collective memory.

Tim, a founding voice of Xutos & Pontapés, revisits the origins of a band that helped shape modern Portuguese music. In a conversation marked by humour and candour, he recalls the restless energy of post‑revolution Portugal, when two chords, a rehearsal room and an attitude were enough to start a movement. What began as teenage instinct quickly became cultural legacy.

Xutos and Pontapés: The punk sound of a free Portugal

In this episode of the podcast “The Heart and Hustle of Portugal,” Kura revisits a journey built on persistence, unseen work, and a deep connection to Portuguese culture. Ruben de Almeida speaks about the late courage it took to incorporate Portuguese lyrics and Fado influences into his productions, honoring a cultural heritage he has always treated “with the utmost respect.” He explains that this fusion is not meant to reinvent the genre, but to expand Portugal to the world, something proven when his version of “Canção do Mar,” with Jéssica Cipriano, sparked emotional reactions across the globe.

Caught between creative pressure, self-doubt, and constant ambition, Kura sees himself as a perpetual underdog, someone who starts from zero every day. Even so, he takes pride in seeing names like Tiësto and Hardwell recognize his work. With the recent release of his first album, “Sentir Saudade,” the artist closes an important chapter of his career and prepares for a new era, tougher and riskier, reinforcing his mission to carry Portuguese identity even further.

In this episode of the podcast &ldquo;The Heart and Hustle of Portugal,&rdquo; Kura revisits a journey built on persistence, unseen work, and a deep connection to Portuguese culture. Ruben de Almeida speaks about the late courage it took to incorporate Portuguese lyrics and Fado influences into his productions, honoring a cultural heritage he has always treated &ldquo;with the utmost respect.&rdquo; He explains that this fusion is not meant to reinvent the genre, but to expand Portugal to the world, something proven when his version of &ldquo;Can&ccedil;&atilde;o do Mar,&rdquo; with J&eacute;ssica Cipriano, sparked emotional reactions across the globe.
Caught between creative pressure, self-doubt, and constant ambition, Kura sees himself as a perpetual underdog, someone who starts from zero every day. Even so, he takes pride in seeing names like Ti&euml;sto and Hardwell recognize his work. With the recent release of his first album, &ldquo;Sentir Saudade,&rdquo; the artist closes an important chapter of his career and prepares for a new era, tougher and riskier, reinforcing his mission to carry Portuguese identity even further.

Ruben de Almeida, known as Kura, is today one of the most influential names in Portuguese electronic music, with a solid presence on major international stages. He began as a shy resident DJ in Lisbon’s clubs and became one of the few Portuguese EDM artists to earn a prominent position in the DJ Mag Top 100. Listen to this conversation hosted by Tony Gonçalves.

Kura: Taking Portuguese sound to the world’s biggest EDM stages

The episode of “The Heart of Hustle of Portugal” explores the origins and evolution of the International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMA), founded by musicians David Saraiva and José “Zach” Xavier and later expanded with the leadership of entrepreneur Manuel da Costa. What began as small community fundraisers grew into a global platform celebrating Portuguese and Luso‑descendant artists across genres. The founders recount how the award show filled a gap in recognition for diaspora talent and became a unifying force for Portuguese communities spread across the world.

The conversation highlights how the IPMA’s have become a cultural anchor for immigrants and their descendants—many of whom left Portugal during periods of hardship and longed for a way to reconnect with their identity. The show’s success stems from an all‑volunteer team, deep personal commitment, and a focus on inclusivity across music styles, from traditional concertina to contemporary pop. The community aspect is carried throughout backstage, as the invited musicians are given all the means to have a wonderful stay.

The episode of &ldquo;The Heart of Hustle of Portugal&rdquo; explores the origins and evolution of the International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMA), founded by musicians David Saraiva and Jos&eacute; &ldquo;Zach&rdquo; Xavier and later expanded with the leadership of entrepreneur Manuel da Costa. What began as small community fundraisers grew into a global platform celebrating Portuguese and Luso‑descendant artists across genres. The founders recount how the award show filled a gap in recognition for diaspora talent and became a unifying force for Portuguese communities spread across the world.
The conversation highlights how the IPMA&rsquo;s have become a cultural anchor for immigrants and their descendants&mdash;many of whom left Portugal during periods of hardship and longed for a way to reconnect with their identity. The show&rsquo;s success stems from an all‑volunteer team, deep personal commitment, and a focus on inclusivity across music styles, from traditional concertina to contemporary pop. The community aspect is carried throughout backstage, as the invited musicians are given all the means to have a wonderful stay.

IPMA founders José “Zach” Xavier and David Saraiva, joined by Manuel da Costa, talk with Tony Gonçalves about diaspora, love for music and the importance of international recognition for Portuguese talent.

The feeling comes first: How MARO found her sound

In 1 playlist(s)

The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips